Good Taste: The Scottish Bakehouse readies for summer

The Scottish Bakehouse, located on State Road in Vineyard Haven, is ready for warmer weather with their “spring special” breakfast menu and some fresh new entrees.

To rival their famed breakfast sandwich, the Bakehouse created a burrito, with eggs, cheese, potato, salsa, guacamole, and house-made refried beans served in a whole-wheat wrap. Loaded Home Fries are served with onion, tomato, broccoli, and cheese with the option to add eggs, meat, and more veggies. Breakfast items are served all day.

The Bakehouse continues to support the community by sourcing meat, produce, dairy, and eggs from Island farms such as Pasture Hill, Whippoorwill, Blackwater and Mermaid Dairy. Of her commitment to local food, Bakehouse owner Daniele Dominick explains, “You really can’t compare the value of it monetarily. It’s just better food.” For a taste, try the Mermaid Farm burger, served with caramelized onions, beets, and bleu cheese on a bed of mixed lettuces.

Ms. Dominick recently found herself with a hundred-pound shipment of carrots from Whippoorwill Farm, which are making their way into a range of dishes from potato salad to the vegan carrot cookie. “I love knowing that my food comes from people who really care about farming,” she says.

During the winter when Ms. Dominick is “blessed with more time to cook for friends,” she spends time in New York City, reveling in the city’s year-round farmers’ markets and finding inspiration in the Dominican neighborhood where she stays. You’ll see some of that Latin-infusion in dishes like the brown rice (or quinoa) served with black beans, collard greens, plantains, and mango avocado salsa.

For a side dish, you won’t find greasy French fries here. Instead, choose from healthy accompaniments like broccoli, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and plantains.

If you’re in a rush, the to-go case is usually fully stocked with salads and small dishes like home-made hummus, local egg salad, Brazilian potato salad, edamame succotash, and sweet potato salad with pecans and raisins.

The bakery case is always enticing. Looking particularly good earlier this month was a mini Key Lime Pie. With graham cracker crust and fresh lime shavings, it’s the perfect size to share with a friend.

The Bakehouse doubles as a one-stop shop for some of your basic grocery needs. The counter is often full with freshly baked breads such as sourdough, Ciabatta, Portuguese sweet, cheesy bread, and Anadama: a traditional New England style loaf made with whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and molasses. Ms. Dominick suggests using the Anadama as your next grilled-cheese bread because, “the molasses kind of caramelizes, it’s delicious.”

In the dairy case you’ll find Mermaid Farm yogurt and feta, New England Cheddar, and local eggs. At the checkout counter pick up artisanal maple syrup and olive oil.

Looking for a nutrient-rich pick-me-up? In the freezer case, wheatgrass is sold by the shot. The bright green liquid is high in vitamins A and C. It’s an excellent detoxifier and is believed to improve blood flow, digestion, and energy levels. Sharing freezer space with the miracle juice are Ben & Jerry’s ice cream bars. The choice is yours.

In addition to their extensive tea selection, with offerings like Yerba Mate and peach Rooibos, the Bakehouse serves Dean’s Beans coffee, an organic, fair-trade and kosher coffee roaster in western Massachusetts. Take a cup to go or a bag of beans to brew at home.

The Bakehouse also happens to be a good place to find out what’s going on around the Island. Their counter is adorned with fliers for yoga, Tarot readings, CSA’s, a life coach, even an organic housecleaner.

The Scottish Bakehouse is open Monday through Saturday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, and Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 508-693-6633.